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Former first minister Alex Salmond has suggested a second referendum on Scottish independence could be held in two years time. In a column in the National newspaper, he said he has “little doubt” the “next test is coming”. He said that his “guess” on timing is that “it is likely to be the autumn of 2018”. ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-37395261
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SNP Growth Commission (By Alex Aitchison) In 2014, Scotland voted to remain in a UK that was part of the European Union. However, the result of the June 2016 referendum raises the prospect of Scotland being taken out of the EU against the stated will of the Scottish electorate. The resultant economic and social upheaval and damage to our international relationships is a material risk to the economy and the wellbeing of our citizens. Independence is one of the options open to the people of Scotland to choose a different…
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Scotland must remain in the EU single market The importance of Scotland remaining part of the European Union’s single market was a key theme during the first in a series of parliamentary debates on the implications of Brexit. The debate was led by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell, who also announced he will meet with the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, in London tomorrow. Mr Russell outlined the single market, stakeholder involvement and the importance of Scotland’s…
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Brexit: securing the best possible deal for Scotland (By Michael Russell) Scotland has benefited from membership of the European Union for decades, and I believe – as I have for all my political life – that EU membership was and remains the best option for Scotland. Now, however, that membership and those benefits are under direct and severe threat as a result of a situation not of our making, and not supported by Scottish voters. As a nation, working with others, we must find the right way to counter that…
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Nicola Sturgeon announced the National Survey below, on 02/09/16. SNP Statement: “Nicola Sturgeon launched the first phase in our new independence initiative – the biggest listening exercise in our party’s history, which will reach out to 2 million people in Scotland before St Andrew’s Day. Members of the public can take part in The National Survey to give their views on Europe, Brexit, and independence, and set out concerns and questions they have.” Source: http://www.snp.org/nicola_sturgeon_s_speech_getting_on_with_the_job Take part in the biggest ever political survey about Scotland’s Future www.survey2016.scot Take part in…
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£500m new support for businesses Scotland First Minister First Minister sets out Programme for Government. A new £500m package of financial support for private sector business investment was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today as she set out plans to increase economic growth in her Programme for Government. The three-year Scottish Growth Scheme will see the Scottish Government unlock investment for the private sector, which is facing increased uncertainty as a result of Brexit. Individual investment guarantees, and some loans, of up to £5 million will be available to…
Read MoreAnalysis highlights economic implications of being outside EU. Leaving the European Union is projected to cost the Scottish economy up to £11.2 billion per year and Scottish public finances up to £3.7 billion per year. Analysis published by the Scottish Government today, drawing on research by a range of external organisations, suggests that by 2030, Scottish GDP is projected to be between £1.7 billion and £11.2 billion per year lower than it would have been if Brexit does not occur. Tax revenue is projected to be between £1.7 billion and…
Read MoreAcceptances from Scotland’s most deprived areas at highest ever level. A record number of Scottish students have secured a place at university, with university entries from the most deprived areas also at the highest ever level, according to UCAS statistics published on A-level results day. Compared to this stage last year, the number of Scottish applicants accepted to Scottish institutions increased by four per cent from 29,120 to 30,400 and acceptances from the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD 20) increased by 5 per cent from 4,060…
Read MoreEU funding in limbo: what the Tories aren’t telling you By David Livey The UK government has announced limited measures to plug the gap in EU funding left in the wake of Brexit. The Brexit campaign’s claims about the £350 million the UK would claw back from the EU each week to spend on the NHS have been exposed for the lies they were – with the Treasury announcement falling short of the required amount to protect even existing funding. No comprehensive, long-term guarantee has been provided to Scotland’s farmers,…
Read MoreDerek Mackay calls for real certainty from Treasury. Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has urged the UK Government to guarantee crucial EU funding streams to end uncertainty and help bring stability to the economy. Mr Mackay said the failure to provide comprehensive, long-term guarantees left farmers, fishermen and communities across Scotland facing significant threats to critical investment and jobs. Mr Mackay has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, acknowledging the partial commitments from the UK Government announced late last night. These commitments, however, do not go…
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